Short Answer Questions

1. When Virgil was verbally abusing Sarah Byrnes in the psych ward of the hospital, what was the name of the therapist who told Virgil that if he didn't get himself under control, he would have to leave?

2. When Moby hears how Carver manipulated his way into a relationship with Moby's mother, what cereal does Moby compare Carver to?

3. What is Mr. Mautz in charge of at the school?

4. When Moby asks the visitor to his hospital room how his visitor is feeling, what response does Moby get?

5. After hearing out Mr. Mautz, what does Reverend Ellerby tell him?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Moby recovers in his hospital room, why is Moby terribly nervous for Sarah Byrnes?

2. When Ms. Lemry surprises Moby by telling him that she ran after and caught Sarah Byrnes' mother, what does Lemry reveal to Moby about her past?

3. According to Jody, why did she have the abortion alone?

4. Why is Sarah Byrnes trying to find her mother?

5. According to Carver, how did Carver manipulate his way into a relationship with Moby's mother?

6. Moby receives quite a bit of media attention after he is attacked by Virgil Byrnes. When is the last time that Moby can remember getting this much media attention?

7. Why does Moby not tell the police about Virgil's threats?

8. According to what Jody tells the class, why did Mark insist that Jody abort their child?

9. While Moby recovers in his hospital room, he feels pretty cocky when his mom and the police are around. How does Moby admit he feels when he is alone?

10. What does the surprise visitor to Moby's hospital room ask Moby to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses several different literary techniques as the story is told in regard to the story's flow. Describe the techniques of both flashbacks and foreshadowing. How are each of these techniques used in the story? Give specific examples of each technique. Why might the author have chosen to use both of these techniques in the story? Was the story enhanced by the use of these two techniques? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the course of the novel, religious overtones abound. In fact, these religious differences become a main motivator in moving the plot forward. Identify at least three different religious views that impacted the plot and the lives of the characters involved in the story. For each instance, describe the characters involved, the religious belief, and how the belief impacted the story's plot. How might the story have been different if these beliefs had not been a part of the plot? Explain your reasoning.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Ellerby's father with Mark Brittain's father.

a. How are the two characters similar? How are they different?

b. Compare the role that justice plays in each of their lives. How is each character affected by the concept of justice - both positively and negatively?